Plants need light to grow and flourish. You may want to grow plants indoors, or some plants cannot survive outdoors in the winter, and if you do not have a yard, your only choice might be to grow plants indoors. Indoor plant growing can be difficult, though. Positioning your plants in a window does not always provide enough light, and it can sometimes be too much direct light. Grow lights are one solution to indoor plant growing. Bring the green-giving magic of the sun indoors with grow lights!

Some Useful Tips There are different kinds of grow lights and light system setups that vary according to the type of plant being grown. Use these steps to use the proper grow lights when growing plants indoors.

- Learn what color light is needed Research the plant you have chosen to determine the colors on the light spectrum your particular plant utilizes most. Most plants use the entire spectrum, but red and blue are the most important. Your research should tell you what color your plant craves most. For example, African violets do best under blue light, but they also need red to flower.

- Set up your light system Find a location in your home to set your plants and install the lighting. Hang the bulbs the proper distance away from your specific type of plant. The distance between light and plant varies, but at least 10 inches ( 25.4cm ) is a good rule. Avoid placing lights more than 40 inches ( 101.6cm ) from the plant.

- Provide the proper duration of light Give your plants a break from grow lights periodically. Plants need rest periods in order to respire. A common duration of light is 12 hours, but some plants require more and some require less.

- Maintain your bulbs and plants Rotate your plants every week so each side receives the same amount of light. Water and fertilize your plants as needed.